Stinson 108-3 N691E accident near Lime Village, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing in tree-covered terrain.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after departure in a float-equipped airplane from a remote lake, and as the airplane climbed to about 150 ft above ground level, all engine power was lost. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the reserve tank. The engine momentarily regain power but after about 15 seconds the engine again lost all power. The pilot conducted a forced landing into tree-covered terrain, during which both wings and the empennage sustained substantial damage. The pilot’s postaccident examination revealed the reserve fuel tank was leaking fuel, and the fuel tanks contained no usable fuel. After the accident, the pilot reported he was trying to fly with minimum fuel to conserve weight, and he could have had more fuel onboard.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA097 for the full record.